Central Chicago Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Central Chicago
Chicago showing rides
Chicago which includes skyline, a city and landscape views
Chicago which includes night scenes, a city and theatre scenes
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio showing interior views and a house

Where to stay in Central Chicago

Magnificent Mile - River North

Magnificent Mile

Are you interested in fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops? A visit to Magnificent Mile might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Michigan Avenue and Chicago Water Tower.

Magnificent Mile
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River North

Known for its fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in River North. Top attractions like Merchandise Mart and Bally's Casino Chicago are major draws. Catch the metro at Merchandise Mart Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.

River North
Chicago showing rides

Theatre District

While you're in Theatre District, take in top sights like Michigan Avenue or State Street, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Washington Station or Monroe Station (Blue Line).

Theatre District
Navy Pier which includes wild flowers and general coastal views as well as a couple

Streeterville

Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Streeterville. Travellers also love the fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops.

Streeterville
Gold Coast which includes street scenes as well as a couple

Gold Coast

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Gold Coast. A stop by Michigan Avenue or Lake Michigan might round out your trip.

Gold Coast
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Rush and Division

If you're spending time in Rush and Division, check out sights like Oak Street or Holy Name Cathedral and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Chicago Station (Red Line) or Clark-Division Station.

Rush and Division
Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$266 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
AU$266
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (8,976 reviews)
"The hotel is an old property, but the bedrooms were nicely renovated. The location is the highlight... nice views, close to everything, walkable distance to downtown and the lake."

Reviewed on 15 Jul. 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG

4.5 out of 5
505 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$447 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
AU$447
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,045 reviews)
"Very nice experience I’d love to go back"

Reviewed on 15 Jul. 2025

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites

Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites

3.5 out of 5
198 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$264 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
AU$264
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,438 reviews)
"Magnificent"

Reviewed on 14 Jul. 2025

Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
See all 1,479 properties in Central Chicago
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sentral Michigan Avenue

Sentral Michigan Avenue

4 out of 5
808 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (819 reviews)
"This property was amazing. Great location, amazing views of the city and the room itself was stunning. Front desk staff were very friendly and helpful. I was able to check in early for a fee and they assisted me with the process. Would recommend and would definitely stay here when I visit again!"

Reviewed on 11 Jul. 2025

Sentral Michigan Avenue
Level Chicago – Old Town

Level Chicago – Old Town

4 out of 5
1140 North Wells Street, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (326 reviews)
"Aparthotel. Like renting a condo downtown. Perfect for longer stays."

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

Level Chicago – Old Town
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago

Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago

4 out of 5
One Superior Place, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (441 reviews)
"Nice views and convenient location to transit and dining"

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
See all properties in Central Chicago
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Navy Pier

Navy Pier

4.5/5(64 reviews)

A waterfront entertainment strip with fun diversions for both young and old, with shops, restaurants and even a Ferris wheel.

Navy Pier
Magnificent Mile - River North showing street scenes, signage and a city

Michigan Avenue

5/5(5 reviews)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Michigan Avenue
McCormick Place

McCormick Place

4.5/5(21 reviews)

Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.

McCormick Place
Millennium Park showing modern architecture, a city and street scenes

Millennium Park

4.5/5(73 reviews)

One of Chicago’s main focal points, where locals and visitors flock to see the striking art, architecture and landscape on show.

Millennium Park
Grant Park

Grant Park

4.5/5(47 reviews)

Chicago’s front yard is a pretty landscaped park, which is home to public art displays, museums, themed gardens and international music festivals.

Grant Park
Chicago Riverwalk featuring a bay or harbour, a city and a river or creek

Chicago Riverwalk

4.5/5(26 reviews)

Stroll along the waterfront of the Chicago River to pass some of the city’s most appealing attractions and appreciate how a once grim area has been successfully revamped.

Chicago Riverwalk

Activities

River tour boat in Chicago

Architecture River Tour

AU$75
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Architecture River Tour
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour

Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour

AU$69
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour
See Chicago's magnificent skyline at night!

Chicago By Night River & Lake Cruise

AU$69
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Chicago By Night River & Lake Cruise
Chicago: Architecture Boat Tour with Drinks

Chicago: Architecture Boat Tour with Drinks

AU$64
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Chicago: Architecture Boat Tour with Drinks
Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Regular & Express Ticket

Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket

AU$38
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket
Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Riverboat Tour

Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Riverboat Tour

AU$86
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Riverboat Tour
See all activities in Central Chicago

Cities near Central Chicago

Chicago which includes a high-rise building and a city as well as a family

Chicago